𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬

07 | A Heart to Heart

          I rolled over and flipped the book to another page, plush carpet beneath cushioning my spine as I read on.

My twelve year old brain scoffed at the characters inside this particular story, reading how they struggled with expressing their feelings to one another.

Adults make things so much more difficult than it has to be.

"Novalie, it's time for your lessons!"

I turned towards my governesses, frowning at the news. "Already?"

An exasperated nod. "Your mother will be furious if you miss another one."

I've never been someone who gave much thought before acting, my sudden retreat and sprinting legs confirming that ideal. Loud shouts were ignored as I hightailed away, laughing without any worry for punishment.

Papa and mama truly did spoil me.

Henrietta, our Head Maid, gave a rushed reprimand as I almost knocked her over while sprinting down the long corridor. I paused while catching my breath, kneeling behind a fancy cabinet that held old photos of historic ancestors.

"Ladybird, ladybird, fly away home..."

Ears perked up at the sudden sound of singing, a haunting voice drifting through the mansion. A smile cracked as I recognized the owner; small hands pushing me back on my feet.

"...house is on fire..."

The tune drifted through elaborate halls, bouncing off priceless décor in a lasting melody.

"...children all gone..."

Rough yet effortless notes flowed, forever lost in the empty corridor with only my young ears bearing audience.

"...All except one."

I burst through the doors and entered our family's private library. "Maverick, that can't be a real nursery song!"

The teen turned around and looked at his younger sister, dark eyes showing exhaustion, hair in complete disarray. Maverick was usually so put together, although he seemed to be shutting everyone out these days—not caring for anything besides the old dusty books in our vast collection.

He recently turned eighteen, so our parents excused it as having 'a phase'.

"Novalie, haven't I asked you to knock before?"

"You never answer!" A giggle escaped. "Besides, you don't own the whole library, silly goose."

"You're right." He looked conflicted.

I jumped towards Maverick and grabbed his much larger hand. "Sing another?"

"Not today, sparrow." He gave a sad smile. "Go back to what you were doing."

I pouted while obeying, giving him one last hopeful look while making my exit. He observed me for a brief moment, before turning around and disappearing behind a shelf of towering books.